A Northern Ireland man has shared his personal story of weight loss and transformation using a weight loss jab that has seen him shed seven stone and enjoy a new way of life.
Five months ago Marc McKee was tipping the scales at almost 23 stone and knew in his heart it was time for a change. Added to that was a wake-up call from his GP that he needed to take action for the sake of his health.
For Mark, who is 35 and lives in Millise, Co Down, it’s a journey that has completely changed his life. He told Belfast Live: "For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with my weight.
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"I tried every diet, joined the gym multiple times, followed every piece of advice from so-called 'health gurus', but nothing ever seemed to work in the long term. I’d lose a little weight, then regain it. It felt like a cycle I would never break.
"But in November 2023, everything changed. I had an appointment with my doctor that I’ll never forget. I wasn’t just overweight, I was facing serious health risks. My blood pressure was dangerously high, my cholesterol was through the roof, and there were growing concerns about my liver and kidneys, and mental health.
"At 34, I was already on medication for multiple conditions, and I was told that if I didn’t do something soon, I’d likely develop even more serious complications before I hit 40. I left that appointment feeling scared but also determined. I knew I needed to make a change, but I also knew that dieting alone had never worked for me before. I needed something to help me break the cycle."
Mark had been hearing about weight-loss drug Mounjaro in the media but says he wasn’t one to jump on trends without proper research. After researching Mounjaro and seeking medical advice, he purchased a prescription via a registered online pharmacy.
The drug typically costs between £150 and £200 for a four-week supply and can be purchased from any registered pharmacy in the UK.
Mark added: "I spent months looking into it as the NHS didn’t offer it, speaking with professionals, and weighing up my options. In August 2024, I finally took the leap and started my journey with Mounjaro which I’m continuing under the supervision of a Manchester based registered pharmacy.
"From the very first dose, I knew this wasn’t just another failed attempt. Mounjaro helped me control my appetite in a way I had never experienced before. But more importantly, it gave me the push I needed to make real lifestyle changes. I didn’t just rely on the medication - I completely overhauled my diet, started moving more, and focused on my overall health rather than just the number on the scale."
The end results for Marc sees him several stone down and enjoying a new life: "Fast forward to today, and I have lost exactly seven stone (98 lbs) since August 2024. The physical changes are obvious, but the real transformation has been in my health. My blood pressure and cholesterol have dropped significantly, and my doctor has reduced my medication to the lowest possible dose.
"My liver and kidney function have improved, with my latest scans and tests showing a huge difference. I have more energy, better mobility, and improved mental health. I finally feel like I’m in control of my body and my future."
And Marc has this message for those who say going down this route is cheating: "A lot of people look at weight loss injections and say it’s cheating or taking the easy way out. But let me be very clear - there is nothing easy about this journey.
"Mounjaro didn’t do the work for me. It didn’t cook my meals, make me choose healthier foods, or get me up and moving. I had to do that. What it did was give me the ability to break the cycle of hunger, binge eating, and constant cravings that had held me back for so many years. It helped me create the structure I needed to change my habits for good.
"People wouldn’t say someone taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure is cheating. So why is it any different for obesity - a medical condition that affects millions of people? For many of us, Mounjaro isn’t a shortcut. It’s a second chance.
"I spent years trying to do this on my own, and I failed over and over. Now, with the right support and a tool that actually works, I’ve lost 7 stone, transformed my health, and regained control of my life. If that’s cheating, then I’m more than happy to be a cheater if it means I get to live a longer, healthier life."
In Northern Ireland these injections are currently only available on the NHS for patients with diabetes who have had them recommended by a consultant. They are not available here for weight loss on the NHS here, forcing patients to buy privately.
Marc added: "For years, I thought my only options were to keep failing at diets or to accept that I would never be healthy. I know there are so many people out there feeling the same way, and I want them to know that there is hope. Mounjaro isn’t a miracle fix - it’s a tool and when used correctly, it can be a powerful one.
"That’s why I started sharing my journey on TikTok where I now have almost 17,000 people following my progress. The response has been overwhelming - so many people struggling with their weight have reached out to say my journey has inspired them to take action."
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